Originally Posted by
spectastic
I carry 20 lbs. I put in 30-40 lbs as a conservative range for a much longer tour, where you may have to carry extra food/water.
what about skewer adapters for the racks?
You could mount a rack with skewer adapters and a
seatpost clamp with mounts. That would be a secure setup and save the carbon from getting crushed in a clamp.
However, your frame may not handle well with that extra weight. The layup of the carbon fibers is very important for the end stiffness of the piece (and that stiffness is very directional). Your frame was not laid up with the stresses of an added load in mind. It could be totally fine, it could be a noodle, or it could crack.
I believe a rackless setup would be better.
I recently bought a carbon cross bike, a '13 Foundry Auger. It actually has fender bosses (never seen that on any carbon bike besides Calfee) but I still wouldn't trust those to support a rack.
I use a Revelate Tangle half-frame bag, a Revelate Sweet Roll handlebar bag with an added pocket, and I can add a big saddlebag for a longer trip.
If I can't carry my load in that setup, I'm carrying too much and should use my steel touring bike with racks and panniers.
I would have grave concerns with overloading your Chinese carbon frame. I understand that you bought it from a seller that gave you a guarantee, but did that guarantee include insurance for you, or just frame replacement? Would you void that guarantee if you add a rack?
I had trepidation buying my first carbon frame, but as it was made in Taiwan by a major manufacturer, I felt more secure than with an open-mold Chinese frame. Big difference, in my mind.